First Religion

René Descartes is often described as the first modern philosopher, but much of the content of his "Meditations on First Philosophy" can be found in the medieval period that had already existed for more than a thousand years. Does God exist? If so, what is his nature? Is the human soul immortal? How does it differ from the body? What role do sense experience and pure reason play in knowing? Descartes stands out from his predecessors because of the method he developed to treat these and other fundamental questions.

Christians begin their first steps in Christ at the moment of conversion. From that moment on, they have access to freedoms that weren't possible prior. But every disciple must understand those freedoms and learn how to walk in them, which requires practice. In First Freedoms, Jennifer Barnett unpacks many "first freedoms" that Christians own but often don't fully integrate into their relationship with God and explains how to foster freedoms such as cultivating a powerful prayer life, abiding fully in God's presence, healing emotional scars, battling the schemes of the enemy, and many others.

The Age of Paradise is the first of a projected four-volume history of Christendom, a civilization with a supporting culture that gave rise to what we now call the West. At a time of renewed interest in the future of Western culture, author John Strickland—an Orthodox scholar, professor, and priest—offers a vision rooted in the deep past of the first millennium. At the heart of his story is the early Church’s “culture of paradise”, an experience of the world in which the kingdom of heaven was tangible and familiar.

The ever-popular and prolific Peter Kreeft says that the most important question he has written about is how one becomes holy, or, to put it another way, how one becomes a saint. This question is central to all the great religions, as Kreeft demonstrates, for striving toward holiness, moving toward perfect love, is the whole purpose of life.

The First Gospel of the Infancy of Jesus Christ, also commonly referred to as The Infancy Gospel of Thomas (not to be confused with the apocryphal book simply called the Gospel of Thomas), dates to AD 185 and tells stories of the early events in the life of Christ, including miracles; although, also included are stories depicting the childhood Jesus behaving less sacredly than one might expect, which may be exactly the reason why the infancy gospels were never considered canon by the Church.

The injunction to seek God's kingdom first, implies that we seek it first in point of time. It should be the first thing attended to. It is not merely to be admitted as of first importance, but should really be put first in point of time. The first thoughts of each morning should be given to it. And whenever God's word, or his providence brings before our mind the invitations or the claims of this kingdom, we are to remember that now is the accepted time.

Jesus' treatment of women was revolutionary. That's why they flocked to him. Wherever he went, they sought him out. Women sat at his feet and tugged at his robes. They came to him for healing, for forgiveness, and for answers. In Jesus through the Eyes of Women, Rebecca McLaughlin explores the life-changing accounts of women who met the Lord. By entering the stories of the named and unnamed women in the Gospels, this book gives listeners a unique lens to see Jesus as these women did and marvel at how he loved them in return.

Typical translations of the New Testament make the biblical text as accessible as possible by using the language of our own day. At times this masks the distance between the New Testament text and modern audiences. Scripture continues to speak to us but it speaks as an ancient text to the modern world. New Testament scholar Scot McKnight offers a translation of the New Testament with a daring approach to the ancient text. Clever in its expression and at times stunning in its boldness, The Second Testament will challenge listeners to experience God's Word anew.

"The First Apology of Justin Martyr" is an early work of Christian apologetics addressed to the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius. In addition to arguing against the persecution of individuals solely for being Christian, Justin defends the philosophy of Christianity and gives a detailed explanation of contemporary Christian practices and rituals. In the early chapters he discusses the principal criticisms of contemporary Christians; namely, atheism, immorality, and disloyalty to the Empire.

A powerful Islamic challenge to conventional Judeo-Christian theology, The First and Final Commandment combines this best-selling author's two books, MisGod'ed and God'ed, within one program. Written in clear, fluid, and at times amusing style, The First and Final Commandment incorporates common sense with scholarly analysis to demand reappraisal of the Judeo-Christian religions.

Does extraterrestrial life exist? Have alien beings actually visited Earth and, indeed, left clear traces of their visits? One man has the answer...and his son can now break the silence. The Roswell Legacy is the story of Major Jesse Marcel, the intelligence officer for the 509th Bomber Group (famous for dropping the atomic bomb on Japan), and the first military officer to reach the scene of one of the most famous and enduring UFO events in the recorded history of mankind.

Step into the captivating world of ancient kings, where power, betrayal, and divine intervention shape the destiny of nations. "1st & 2nd Kings" is not just a historical account – it's a riveting narrative that brings to life the epic struggles and triumphs of legendary rulers. Each chapter unveils the drama of kingdoms rising and falling, of prophets confronting monarchs, and of courage amidst adversity. From the illustrious reigns of Solomon and David to the riotous times of Elijah and Elisha, this book offers a panoramic view of the tumultuous journey of Israel and Judah.

Stories about demons are rising in pop culture, but accounts of their manifestations have been bubbling up throughout history. Paranormal investigator Richard Estep explores this societal fascination as he strives to identify exactly what demons are and where to find them. Consulting with experts ranging from an ordained Catholic exorcist to a medical doctor, Richard scrutinizes the history of demonology and infamous instances of possession, including the case that inspired The Exorcist. With all the facts at your fingertips, you can decide the truth for yourself.

A delectable variety of real paranormal tales you are sure to binge... First responders are those that aid us in our time of need. But have you ever wondered that some of their calls may not be classified as "typical"? Ever wondered what happens when you mix ghosts with dispatchers? How about accident sites? I know I have. That is why this book came to be. After interviewing multiple types of first responders, from 911 operators to police to firemen, you will hear the experiences they cannot quite explain as anything less than "ghostly".

Cleopatra. Nefertiti. Hatshepsut. All of them are ancient Egyptian female rulers who rose above their predominantly patriarchal societies to become controllers of a great empire. Missing from this list, however, is Sobekneferu, ancient Egypt’s first female ruler. Why was the reign of this powerful woman all but forgotten? Piecing together the lost history of the first female pharaoh, Andrew Collins presents the first comprehensive biography of Sobekneferu.

Eldest daughters are responsible, dutiful, thoughtful, expeditious, and caring. Parents may worry about their "difficult" eldest girl who wants to be perfect in everything she does whilst her siblings may not always understand her. The Eldest Daughter Effect shows how firstborn girls become who they are and offers insights that can give them more freedom to move. And parents will gain a better understanding of their firstborn children and can support them more fully on their way.

On the third day, God planted the garden in the east of the earth, on the border of the world eastward, beyond which, towards the sunrising, one finds nothing but water, that encompasses the whole world, and reaches to the borders of heaven.

From the New York Times best-selling author of Walking the Bible and Abraham comes a revelatory journey across four continents and 4,000 years exploring how Adam and Eve introduced the idea of love into the world, and how they continue to shape our deepest feelings about relationships, family, and togetherness.

Part life story, part philosophy text, and part spiritual guide, Sister Jean's wit, wisdom, and common sense has broad appeal and application that transcends religious creed, belief, and even feelings on Loyola's basketball team.

Step into the enigmatic world of ancient prophecies and divine revelations with Joseph Lumpkin's compelling anthology, "Twelve Jewish, Christian, and Gnostic Books of the Apocalypse."